PUBLISHERS' PREFACE
being absent in Europe and in our new dependencies, and to the fact that various gentlemen were too engaged in public affairs to devote the necessary time to the preparation of their autobiographies, in many instances they were obliged to have their biographies written by some one in whom they had confidence. In every instance proof has been submitted of both biographies and portraits for their criticism and correction, and in no instance has been finally printed until both met with their approval and endorsement. Thus, where these sketches are not autobiographical, this method has rendered them practically so.
Many of the photographs from which the engravings have been made were furnished by C. M. Bell, photographer, Washington, D. C. These photographs were of a high degree of excellence, and we wish to express our thanks for the work and our appreciation of it.
